Interview with Allyson Lindt author of Unconventional Fling. $10 Amazon GC #giveaway

I’d like to welcome Allyson Lindt back to my blog with her new release Unconventional Fling.  Allyson will be awarding a $10 Amazon gift card, and ecopies of her books Conflict of Interest, and Toeing the Line to a randomly drawn commenter during the tour.

Because of the title of your book I’d like to ask you some unconventional questions. Nothing too weird, hopefully.

Thanks so much for having me back, Nana. I love unconventional, and just a little weird, so coincidentally, I loved your questions.

I’m sorry to be the one to tell you, but the romance genre has kicked the bucket. Yes, it’s dead, and nothing can save it. Which genre will you write?

Oh noes! Not my spicy, beloved romance. *pouts* *ponders* I guess if I had to choose something else *sigh* it would be urban fantasy. There’s something about a sassy, kick-ass heroine, and a brooding hero who can keep up that just makes for a good story. Especially when things like angels, vamps, or other super-human creatures are tossed into the mix.

Urban fantasy is a great genre. I love a kick-ass heroine. Other than writing, what gift do you possess that could make you a superstar?

When I was 12, I got my hair permed for the first (and last) time. I didn’t have the best reaction to the chemicals. Apparently my mother had arranged a surprise, church-sponsored, slumber party for me that same night. So I was poodle-headed, a little woozy, and they made me stand up in front of everyone and then asked me the exact same question. Minus the writing thing.

I crossed my eyes at them (on purpose, not as a precursor to passing out), and then went and sat back down. Now that I’m a little older and more experienced, I’ve come to realize being able to cross one’s eyes is not likely to make me a superstar. But I would be an awesome gourmet, short-order chef. Or poodle should I ever get my hair permed again.

The calorie counts of all foods have quadrupled and you only get to choose one treat every two months so  you’ll still be able to fit through doors without getting greased down. What food would you choose?

Err… Um… I almost said coffee, but it’s a pretty low-cal food, so I’m going to take a chance and keep drinking it. So if I have to choose, honestly? Chocolate. Yup. But if I’m only getting a taste every two months, it had better be the best freaking chocolate in the world.

You are a woman after my own heart, chocolate is a great answer. If you could look like anyone in the world who would it be?

This is a fun one to play with… Emma Stone. I’m trying to find something witty to say about the whole thing, but really it comes down to, I want to keep my red hair—and she manages to rock the auburn look—and, just… that’s my pick, that’s all there is to it.

Finish the famous Forrest Gump statement without using ‘a box of chocolates.’  Life is like…

I’m going to leave the day job analogy behind, for the sake of not being *too* nerdy and unconventional. Life is like an overplayed pop-song. Sure, it’s got its grating bits, and as many people make fun of it as like it, but sometimes it’s just catchy and you can’t help tapping your foot in time to the rhythm and enjoying yourself.

Denzel Washington. There’s no question here, just a long sigh.

You’ll get no argument from me. I’ll just sigh along with you if that’s all right.

Moment of sighing is finished. Since this is unconventional day, but I’m a creature of habit, please give us an analogy of what writing ISN’T for you.

What writing isn’t for me… It’s not a slow-moving, lazy afternoon in the sun, where all that matters is making sure you’ve picked a spot where you won’t have to move for a while.

That was a good answer. Writing is dynamic for you. Thanks for joining me on my blog Allyson.

BLURB:

Jade is in Nashville on her third week of a month-long business trip. She doesn't mind seeing a new city every week, but she's dragging after so many without a break. When a sexy stranger wants to share her breakfast table, she welcomes the change in scenery. The easy banter and teasing that dances behind the eyes of the handsome voice actor have her wondering if just this once, a one-night stand might be worth her time.

Brandon is tired of the playboy image that comes with his cult-celebrity status. When he meets a business woman with a travel schedule as hectic as his, she lights a spark deep inside. The problem is, he's hoping for something long-term, and she's hesitant to start anything that will become long-distance. With less than three days before they go their separate ways, Brandon has to show Jade there's more to them than just an unconventional fling.

Mini Blurb:

Jade needs to break up a monotonous, five-week business trip. A one-night stand with Brandon, the sexy voice actor she meets at breakfast, is the perfect solution. With three days before they go their separate ways, Brandon’s hoping to show Jade there’s more to them than an unconventional fling.

  

Excerpt:

Jade’s heart dropped into her shoes when she realized she’d reached the front of the line. What was she supposed to say? She shifted her weight from one foot to the other while the actors took pictures with the person who’d been in front of her. And then it was her turn.

Brandon’s eyes grew wide when she stepped forward, smile quickly spreading. “I didn’t know you were a fan.”

She couldn’t help returning the pleased look but made sure to tuck away most of her giddiness. “I didn’t realize you were famous.”

He grabbed a small poster off a nearby stack that sported the cartoon characters she figured were him and his cohorts. He scribbled something, holding it at an angle so the glare of the lights above kept her from reading it.

He nodded to his left. “Who’s your friend?”

She followed his gaze to Andie, who stood at the edge of the line, almost hopping with irritation. Jade’s smile faded to embarrassment. “That’s who I borrowed the pass from to stand in line.”

He grabbed another print. “I’m flattered. What’s your plan now that you’re here?”

“I hadn’t gotten that far,” she confessed.

He handed her a print and nodded at the now wide-eyed Andie. “For your new friend.” Then he handed her the second one. “For you. Don’t get them mixed up.”

Jade gave him one last smile. “Thanks.”

She trudged toward Andie, handing off the girl’s pass and the signed poster without another word, and then headed upstairs. So much for her brilliant plan to seduce the gorgeous stranger. Maybe she should just stay in her room the rest of the night.

When she pulled out her signed print and turned it over to read the inscription, her embarrassed heat shifted to something new.

AUTHOR Bio and Links:

Allyson Lindt is a full-time geek and a fuller-time contemporary romance author. She was lucky enough to marry her muse and soul mate. When they’re not spending way too much time gaming, they’re building new worlds together. She loves a sexy happily-ever-after and helping deserving cubicle dwellers find their futures together.

Find Allyson Lindt

Website: http://allysonlindt.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Allyson-Lindt/116062025108551

Twitter: https://twitter.com/AllysonLindt

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7024176.Allyson_Lindt

Amazon author page: https://www.amazon.com/author/allysonlindt

Buy Unconventional Fling:

Liquid Silver Books: http://www.lsbooks.com/unconventional-fling-p842.php

Amazon US: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00G2ETTXW/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00G2ETTXW&linkCode=as2&tag=itsalwabothej-20

Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Unconventional-Fling-Working-Girls-Guide-ebook/dp/B00G2ETTXW/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1382382035&sr=8-1&keywords=unconventional+fling

ARe: https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-unconventionalfling-1326187-149.html

Remember to follow the tour and comment. The more you comment, the better your chances of winning. The tour dates can be found here: 

http://goddessfishpromotions.blogspot.com/2013/10/virtual-nbtm-book-tour-unconventional.html

I'm exposing myself - $20 Amazon GC #giveaway

For the next two months I'm on a book tour with Goddess Fish Promotions. Every Tuesday You'll find me on a different blog. I'm giving away a $20 Amazon gift car at the end of the tour so the more you follow, the greater your chances are of winning.

Today I'm on It's Raining Books revealing five things you didn't know about me. I dug deep for this post. Come join us when you have a moment.

Here are the tour dates and sites:

December 17: Book 'Em North Carolina
December 17: Welcome to MyWorld of Dreams
December 31: Andi's BookReviews
January 7: It's Raining Books
January 14: Musings and Ramblings
January 21: Susana's Morning Room
January 28: Unabridged Andra
February 4: Teena in Toronto - Review only
February 4: Long and Short Reviews
February 11: Booklover Sue

Balancing Life and Writing – A Mother’s Tale by Keira Des Anges author of Flick

Today I’m handing my blog over to Keira Des Anges with her wonderful post about balance. Make sure to leave a comment because one randomly chosen commenter will win a $50 Amazon/BN  gift card.

We live in a fast-paced world where things are due yesterday, or preferably, the day before that. Smart phones are connected to our hands, information is updated by the second and life changes in a minute.  Besides living in the matrix many writers, like myself, have families, day jobs and other responsibilities that lure us away from finishing a chapter or starting that next novel.  But with vigilance and discipline, we can get the job done!

Set Family Boundaries:  My family is given my writing schedule at least 2 days in advance.  I generally do a lot of writing on the weekends because work and my children’s after-school activities keep me super busy during the week.  So I tell them, “Hey, I’m writing on Saturday and Sunday from 1:00 pm to 6:00 pm.  If you need anything let me know, because I’m off-limits during this time.”  They respect this.  They tell me their needs in advance and I meet them.  In return, they respect my request for time and space.  It’s a win-win situation.

Have a Game Plan:  Think about what you want to accomplish.  Instead of sitting down and staring at a blank computer screen or thumping a pen against the desk for an hour, it’s easier to already have an idea of what it is you want to do.  Perhaps it’s simple editing, or a complete rewrite of your latest masterpiece.  More work will get done when you have an agenda.

Avoid Burnout:  Sleep is important and ‘me’ time is invaluable.  Don’t burn yourself out in a mad rush to finish that next sentence or chapter.  You may have a job to get to in the morning, children to get ready for school, or errands to run.  You need to remain fresh and alert for every area of your life.  When you feel yourself winding down, listen to your body and step away.  Don’t worry – nine times out of ten you are going to get back to whatever you are working on to edit, rewrite and repeat. 

Writing is a job and a tough one.  As with any job, there are schedules, breaks and deadlines and this takes discipline.  If we integrate writing in our lives in a healthy way, our families, careers and writing will be the better for it.

BLURB:

Leanna Matthews enjoys flying below the radar. She does well in school, has a few close friends and hides the fact she’s an astral-traveling telekinetic. But there’s no escaping her creepy dreams or Simora, the bizarre little spirit lady, that suddenly pops out of nowhere to warn her against keeping secrets and predicts an encounter with a sinister evil. For the first time in forever someone…or something…is on to her.

But life turns around when Leanna meets Piper one sunny afternoon. She’s inexplicably drawn to him, almost as if she’s been waiting for him to come. Forbidden to have a boyfriend Leanna throws caution to the wind, lying to her family and friends to be with him, while ignoring Simora’s ominous message.

Yet Piper has a secret of his own. He is on a mission and Leanna, unwittingly, is the key.

EXCERPT

One of the fringe benefits of astral traveling is never using doors, and when Leanna walked straight through the wall into the brightly lit hallway, the hustle and bustle of the day seemed all but forgotten.  Various medical personnel marched determinedly to their destinations and Leanna quickly dodged a team of doctors rushing down the corridor and the hysterical woman behind them.  She moved out of habit really; even if they bumped her they’d simply melt right through.

She stopped by the nearest nursing station hoping to hear news on her aunt.  But to her disappointment, the staff proved useless.  They were more interested in Nurse Johnson’s fling with the new anesthesiologist than discussing their charges.  Her mother was a medical professional; Leanna knew nurses were an integral part of the medical team.  But these guys were worse than an episode of Grey’s Anatomy!  Eventually bored of their gossip, Leanna made her way to the opposite end of the floor.

“Hey, Leanna!”  Her name rang out clearly as she passed by the waiting room door.  “Over here!” said the voice.

Startled, Leanna turned around to peek inside.  Three people sat in the small, blue waiting area.  Two women whispered animatedly to one another and a stoic looking man held a magazine, although his eyes seldom moved across the page.  They didn't see her, so Leanna wondered who just called.

Then she saw her. 

A little Indian woman, no more than four feet in stature sat in a green and purple, wing-backed armchair in the middle of the room grinning and waving madly at her.  She looked no more than thirty years old and was dressed in shimmering gold from head-to-toe with a sheer, golden scarf draped over her bright, oval face and jet-black hair. 

Tiny glittery shoes peeked out from beneath the frock and sparkled as brightly as Dorothy’s red slippers in the Wizard of Oz.  Leanna thought she even resembled a munchkin, in a cute sort of way.  Like Auntie, she seemed more real than anyone else in the room and her smile grew larger as Leanna approached cautiously. 

“Don’t worry sweetheart, I don’t bite,” she said.  The little lady patted a second green chair embossed with bright purple and orange polka dots, which mysteriously sprang out of nowhere, and Leanna sat down.

“I’ve been waiting for you,” she beamed, greeting Leanna like a long-lost friend and clapping her hands excitedly.  “I’m so glad you finally came!”

“Waiting for me?  Why? Who are you?” Leanna asked, not quite sure she should be talking to her in the first place.

“Oh my!  You don’t know me do you?” she giggled childishly.  “I’ve been with you so long I sometimes forget you don’t remember.”

“Remember?” Leanna asked now thoroughly confused.  “I’m sorry, what are you talking about?  We’ve never met before,” she said apologetically.

“Oh Leanna, trust when I say I have been with you all of your earthly life, before and beyond,” the lady corrected.  “Until now you haven’t seen me because it wasn’t time.  But I have been with you as promised and kept watch over you.  Which, I might add, has been quite a task considering your little adventures,” she said smiling again, taking some of the sting from her words.

Leanna frowned, studying the peculiar, little lady in the shiny clothes.  She didn’t know why or how, but she did look vaguely familiar, like she might’ve seen her around; possibly in a dream.  Somehow, Leanna sensed there was more to the story than that.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

AUTHOR Bio and Links:

By day, Keira des Anges has the distinct pleasure of assisting teenagers with disabilities find employment, empowering one life at a time. By night, she is a chew toy for her dog and cat and avid reader of anything spooky, magical and totally out of this world.  She lives in sunny Florida with her husband and two kids.

Twitter:  @KeiradesAnges

Facebook:  www.facebook.com/KeiraDesAnges

Website:  www.keiradesanges.com

Amazon:   http://www.amazon.com/Flick-ebook/dp/B00D8MW7EE/ref=la_B00DCFJYB6_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1379722174&sr=1-1

Follow Keira on her blog tour and leave comments on the other blogs to increase your chances of winning the gift card. Click here for the tour dates.

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Winter’s Heat by Cristin Harber – Book tour and #giveaway of $25 Victoria Secret GC

Cristin will be awarding a $25 Gift Card to Victoria’s Secret, and gifted e-copies of the five titles in the series (starting w/ Winters Heat. Three novels and two novellas) to one randomly drawn commenter during this tour AND the Virtual Super Book Blast tour.

BLURB:

After putting her life on the line to protect classified intelligence, military psychologist Mia Kensington is on a cross-country road trip from hell with an intrusive save-the-day hero. Uninterested in his white knight act, she’d rather take her chances without the ruggedly handsome, cold-blooded operative who boasts an alpha complex and too many guns.

Colby Winters, an elite member of The Titan Group, has a single objective on his black ops mission: recover a document important to national security. It was supposed to be an easy in-and-out operation. But now, by any means necessary becomes a survival mantra when he faces off with a stunning woman he can’t leave behind.

When Titan’s safe houses are compromised, Colby stashes Mia at his home, exposing his secret—he’s the adoptive father of an orphaned baby girl. Too soon, danger arrives and Mia lands in the hands of a sadistic cartel king with a taste for torture. As hours bleed into fear-drenched days, Colby races across the globe and through a firestorm of bullets to save the woman he can’t live without.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Excerpt:

Setup- Colby Winters is running out of a cartel kingpin’s mansion during a gunfight to a waiting Titan team member.

Gunfire surrounded her. Coming for them, shooting away from them. They fired. He fired back. The burnt gunpowder floated behind him, blazing into her nose and eyes. Still, she pushed, moving as he moved, tracing his cross-hatched steps, ducking when he ducked. A shadow behind the man.

She heard a thump. He growled and missed a step but didn’t stop moving. Brilliant red blood sprayed onto her. He didn’t slow. Her legs burned keeping the pace.

They rounded the corner, and he pressed her against the stucco wall. His blood stained her. It painted the wall and covered his hands. Vehicles came their way. Armed men poured from a hole in the perimeter fence like ants from an anthill. Fireballs from the jungle hit the vehicles. Violent explosions sent deadly fireworks into the sky. Rubber and diesel burned hot. Black smoke billowed around the armed men running toward them.

The heat, humidity, and smoke would have slowed a lesser man. So would a gunshot wound. He scanned the vast lawn.

“We have to make it past that hole in the fence. There’s a vehicle waiting for us. We’ve got a sniper in the trees, and two more men on the ground. When you see someone dressed like me, you run like hell toward him. Got it?”

“You’re hurt.” She wanted to run her hands across his skin and stop the bleeding.

He ignored her. “Say it, Mia. Can you do this?”

“I can.” She gave him a strong nod, exacerbating her headache. She didn’t care. Colby was here, and she’d do whatever he needed her to do.

“You got this. Let’s go.”

He gave her a small push in the right direction. Bullets sounded around her. Men ran toward them, guns pointed their way. The shots hit the grass, spitting up dirt, and slapping her face. She tasted blood and grit, and felt the filth in her mouth, which caked her lips and teeth.

White-hot pain rocketed through her. A dizzying flash made her stumble. He grabbed her upright.

“Flesh wound. Keep going,” he shouted above the noise. His teeth were gritted together. He huddled beside her, pulling her. “There’s Jared. Run!”

Another thump. He was hit again, as he shielded her from the rain of artillery. One by one, men advanced toward them and were dropped by a sniper. But as one went down, another appeared.

She heard another bullet hit. Winters dropped to his knee, pulled Mia under him, and cursed violent threats. His sweat and blood coated her. She felt it through the layers of clothing and vests. He scooped her with one arm and crawled behind a statue.

“How bad are you hurt, Colby?”

“Doesn’t matter.” His labored breaths worsened with each passing moment.

“How bad, damn it?”

Winters stopped laboring and laughed. “You’re unreal, you know that?”

Mia glared at him.

“Bad. But I think Kevlar got most of it. Everything heals. I’m not worried. Jared’s twenty yards ahead, picking them off. We have to go for it right now. Or we don’t have a chance. You got it, babe?”

“I can do this.”

“I know you can. Run, baby, run.” He took off at a limped sprint, acting as a barrier from the fire again.

His leg went out from under him. The whiz of bullets went to slow motion, the sound ceased. Mia dropped on bent knees, watching him on the ground.

“Run, goddamn it,” he shouted. His veins popped out of his neck as he fired into the distance.

The world came back, loud and furious. Her legs moved, even though her mind was numb. Jared appeared out of nowhere. He jumped from his perch and snared her with an arm, dragging her into the vehicle.

“Wait. Colby.”

Jared threw the vehicle into gear and spun tires as he tore down the makeshift road. Branches and jungle leaves scratched at the windshield.

Mia launched at Jared, hitting his shoulder.

“Colby’s hurt.” Tears and terror filled her throat. The very depths of her soul ached. Her screech turned to a pleading whisper. “Please. Help him.”

“They were right on your tail. They’ve got him by now.”

Dread ricocheted through her head. All the pain and loss pressed onto her. Suffocating despair ripped her apart. Tears streamed down. Rapid breaths came fast. Too fast. She tried to cut them off but failed. All went black.

  

AUTHOR Bio and Links:

Cristin Harber

Romantic Suspense Author: Higher Stakes. Hotter Action.

Bio:

MOM. WIFE. AUTHOR.

Lover of all things sexy and happily ever after.

I live outside Washington, DC with my family: my husband (who doesn’t mind my collection of book boyfriends), an independent toddler, and an English bulldog named Britta who loves to be a conversation piece. Oh, we have a baby on the way—arriving about the same time as WINTERS HEAT debuts!

I love southern food, listen to country music, am always too hot or too cold, and spend hours reading and writing. I cheer on my University of Louisville Cardinals-GO CARDS! When I’m not pregnant (or nursing), I like a little bourbon or sweet wine. Pregnant or not, I love a lot of chocolate.

I can’t save the world, so instead, I write about those that do. There’s a special place in my heart for those who keep us safe. My Titan series debuts this fall with five titles available in 2013: WINTERS HEAT, GARRISON’S CREED, WESTIN’S CHASE, CHASED, and GAMBLED.

Links:

NEWSLETTER signup for series info: http://bit.ly/11aWFzM

GOODREADS: https://www.goodreads.com/author/list/7192034.Cristin_Harber

WEBSITE: http://cristinharber.com

FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/cristinharberauthor

TWITTER: https://twitter.com/CristinHarber

Buy Links

Amazon: http://amzn.to/18mlNVe

Kobo: http://bit.ly/1ful6Rf

iTunes: http://bit.ly/19KIAdD

B&N: http://bit.ly/16Jaogh

All Romance: http://bit.ly/155v3On

Remember to follow the tour and leave a comment. The more you comment, the better your chances of winning. The tour dates can be found here:  http://goddessfishpromotions.blogspot.com/2013/09/virtual-blurb-blitz-winters-heat-by.html

Book Spotlight: Honeysuckle and Jasmine by Liz Grace Davis, #Giveaway

I'm happy to be one of Liz's stops for her blog tour. She'll be awarding a $15 Amazon giftcard or Pay Pal Cash, a signed postcard, and an ecopy of one of her backlisted novels (either Tangi's Teardrops or Chocolate Aftertaste) to one randomly chosen commenter during the tour.

BLURB:  

The past is never far behind.

Senia Loato’s life has been needled by disappointment, and the wounds that fester go beyond skin deep. She is certain if she puts miles between her and her tainted past, she will somehow outrun it. When she’s offered the chance to leave her island home of Mintang to become an au pair for three boys in Germany, she takes the opportunity to start running.

In Germany, she meets Miina, another African au pair. What builds between them is a life-defining friendship, one they will risk everything for.

And soon, they’ll be asked nothing less.

When Miina is betrayed and left stranded, Senia stands by her, risking much more than just her stay in Germany. She also stands to lose rich, handsome, turquoise-eyed Roman Dorenwald, the first man she has allowed into her heart.

But they’re risks worth taking.

Eventually, Senia makes a sacrifice that catapults her back to her past, where she’s forced to draw back the curtain and discover the shocking truth of her history.

Can she confront her nightmares, reach deep into her soul, and forgive those who have hurt her? Or is it easier to just keep running?

***This story was partly inspired by true events***

EXCERPT

My muscles tensed up again, and I smoothed the tablecloth, gave myself time to respond. How much could I tell him? If he had read my CV, he'd know I'd worked at the orphanage, but not that I'd also lived there. Did I want him to know? I raised my eyes. Why not? "I grew up in an orphanage, where I later worked as well, for two years. I never met my biological parents." Why not just leave out the whole adoption part? It would only call for more questions and complicate things.

To my surprise, Roman squeezed my hand, just for a second, but the warmth from his grip remained with me. "I'm sorry to hear that. That explains it. I used to wonder why you had this sad look in your eyes all the time."

I glanced away. "I do?" I whispered. But then, how would I know? Whatever look I had in my eyes, I'd lived with all my life. I wouldn't know if it was sad or not.

"Senia," Roman drew his chair closer to the table, "please look at me. It's nothing to be ashamed of. I can't even begin to imagine how it would be, growing up without my parents, even if they can be too controlling sometimes."

I allowed my glance to meet his again. "Well, having never met mine has made it easier to live without them."

The waiter placed our food in front of us, halting our conversation. The aroma of Roman's roasted pork in gravy and that of my beef and pork mingled in the air between us before teasing my nostrils. So easy for the aromas to do—nothing in the air to stop them from embracing. Unlike Roman and I. Between us stood many possible complications that could send a potential relationship toppling before it even started.

AUTHOR INFORMATION:

Liz Grace Davis grew up in Angola, Namibia, South Africa, and Germany. She now lives with her husband and daughter in Vienna, Austria.

Her travels offered her the opportunity to gather interesting material, from both her own experiences and those of others. She is a firm believer that memories, both good and bad, are worth cherishing because they lead us to be the people we are today.

As a result, Liz enjoys breathing new life into some of those experiences, and sprinkling them with snippets born of her imagination, to write fiction. Her aim as a writer is to both thrill and inspire readers. The genres she enjoys writing are as diverse as the books she reads.

Liz is the author of Chocolate Aftertaste, Honeysuckle and Jasmine, and Tangi’s Teardrops.

Contact info:

Website : www.lizgracedavis.com

Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Liz-Grace-Davis/333441076698284

Goodreads Author Page: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5450561.Liz_Grace_Davis

Blog: http://www.novel-moments.blogspot.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/Liz_Davis1

Email: Liz_davis1@yahoo.com 

Buy Links

Amazon

Smashwords:
Barnes& Noble

Remember to head on over to the other stops Liz is making on the tour and leave a comment. The more you comment the better your chances are of winning. The tour dates can be found here.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Wendy Tyson author of Killer Image talks about Fashion vs. Comfort #giveaway

Wendy Tyson is taking over my blog for the day. Everyone who leaves a comment will be entered to win a $20 Amazon gift card! Anyone who purchases their copy of Killer Image before  October 21 and sends their receipt to Samantha (at) ChickLitPlus (dot) com, will get five bonus entries.Enjoy! 

Comfort versus Fashion. Can the two go together or are they mutually exclusive?

I read an article recently about how to dress for work.  The article noted that people should dress for the job they want, not necessarily the job they have.  Good advice.  But it made me think about the topic of fashion and whether or not we need to be a slave to the latest (often uncomfortable) trends if we want to project a good image.  Are fashion and comfort mutually exclusive?

Before I start, I should warn you: while Allison is an image consultant (and one Jimmy Choo shy of a fashion diva), I am not.  I prefer jeans and flip-flops to pencil skirts and pumps.  That said, I have a day job that demands professionalism, and I think Allison would agree that not only can comfort and fashion go together, they should.

When I was researching real-life tips from image consultants regarding how to look your best, one piece of advice came across my desk again and again: wear clothes that fit your body well.  Too-tight clothes can restrict and make you feel self-conscious.  Pulling at your clothes, limping along in heels that are too high – these things can detract from the look you’re trying to accomplish.  And clothes that are too loose can be unflattering.  On the other hand, a well-tailored and comfortable outfit can help you look confident and fresh.  And nothing is more appealing than confidence.

So how can fashion and comfort go together?  Here are a few tips based on my research for my book:

•      Consider before you buy.  Take a hard look at your closet.  What do you wear regularly?  What have you bought with the idea that it would look great, but in actuality you hardly ever wear it – either because it doesn’t fit right, is uncomfortable or because, while appealing, it doesn’t reflect the way you want to appear?  Be thoughtful about your purchases – and learn from your own buying history. 
•      Quality over quantity.  Sometimes in an effort to chase the latest trends, we skimp on quality.  Good pieces – including good shoes – can go a long way toward creating a fashionable image while maintaining comfort.  Poorly constructed and too-high shoes can contribute to a host of health problems, including bunions and other foot injuries.  Consider buying fewer pairs of better quality shoes.  The same goes for clothing.  A few basic, well-constructed pieces that fit your body appropriately can be the basis for a wardrobe that’s both fashionable and comfortable. 
•     Add a splash of color.  Even if you have a job that requires very conservative choices, you can add flash with color.  For example, a black or charcoal suit can be livened up with a colorful blouse underneath or with a pair of shoes in an unexpected hue.
•      Accessorize.  Want comfort and fashion?  Think about accessories.  Comfortable basics can be paired with jazzier jewelry, scarves, bags and watches.  This is another way to add color to a neutral wardrobe or to add flash in a way that doesn’t compromise the way you feel in your clothes.  Plus, for those of us on a budget, accessories that cost less can help to stretch out a limited wardrobe.

The Blurb

As Philadelphia's premier image consultant, Allison Campbell helps others reinvent themselves, but her most successful transformation was her own after a scandal nearly ruined her. Now she moves in a world of powerful executives, wealthy, eccentric ex-wives and twisted ethics.

When Allison's latest Main Line client, the fifteen-year-old Goth daughter of a White House hopeful, is accused of the ritualistic murder of a local divorce attorney, Allison fights to prove her client's innocence when no one else will. But unraveling the truth brings specters from her own past. And in a place where image is everything, the ability to distinguish what's real from the facade may be the only thing that keeps Allison alive.

Author Bio:

Wendy Tyson wrote her first story at age eight and it’s been love ever since.  When not writing, Wendy enjoys reading other people’s novels, traveling, hiking, and playing hooky at the beach–and if she can combine all four, even better.  Originally from the Philadelphia area, Wendy has returned to her roots and lives there again with her husband, three kids and two muses, dogs Molly and Driggs.  She and her husband are passionate organic gardeners and have turned their small urban lot into a micro farm.  Killer Image is Wendy’s first novel in the Allison Campbell mystery series. 

Wendy has also authored The Seduction of Miriam Cross, a mystery that will be released by E-Lit Books on November 1, 2013.

Find Wendy at:

Website: www.WATyson.com 

Twitter: www.twitter.com/wendytyson)

Facebook: www.facebook.com/wendytysonauthor 

Increase your chances of winning the $20 Amazon gift card by following Wendy's tour stops here.

Book Spotlight: Death Lies Between Us by Jody A. Kessler #Blogtour and #Giveaway

Jody will be awarding a $10 Amazon GC to one randomly drawn commenter during the tour so remember to leave a comment and fill in the Rafflecopter info.

BLURB:

Saving the life of someone you love should not be the worst thing you have ever done, unless you are an Angel of Death.

Disgruntled with his position in the afterlife and conflicted by his feelings toward his new client, Nathaniel Evans forgoes the rules and saves nineteen year old Juliana Crowson from being hopelessly stuck in Forge Creek. This alters Juliana’s destiny and she finds herself in a series of near death accidents.

In the mountains of Colorado, Nathaniel comforts Juliana as she struggles to understand her paranormal abilities while coping with her brother’s drug addiction. When an ill-tempered Native American Shaman teaches her the difference between ghosts and place memories, she decides she wants nothing to do with the supernatural world. Too bad she doesn’t know that Nathaniel is part of it. 

Will fate bring these two together, or has Nathaniel made the biggest mistake of his afterlife?

  

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

EXCERPT

He turns to stand in front of me, silent as a shadow. His hand lifts out of the dark. His fingertips brush the underside of my chin gently tipping my face up to his. How does he move and make no sound?  His fingers move to my temple, brushing away a hair then trailing down to the edge of my jaw where they halt. He watches my face and looks into my eyes. I feel a surge of loneliness from somewhere deep inside him. I don’t understand it or have time to dwell on it but it makes me want to hold onto him. His gaze lowers to my mouth.

He’s so close. I didn’t see it before, but he glows. The slightest iridescent shimmer encapsulates him, so totally different than the way Chris’s aura looked. He smells good too, like I remembered, and more. It’s so familiar, but I can’t say where from. The ozone smell of clean air after a storm and hints of cinnamon and honey swirled in cream. It’s intoxicating. Even the feel of him standing near me is like a caress passing over my skin. I can’t believe myself. I’m going to let this vague stranger kiss me, and I want him to.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

AUTHOR Bio and Links:

Jody A. Kessler enjoys writing paranormal novels and is a member of Pikes Peak Writers.  She is a yoga instructor, Reiki Master, and a graduate from the Colorado Institute of Massage Therapy. When she took an extended leave from her massage practice to stay at home with her newborn she returned to her first true passion —writing. She spends most of her time being a mother, writing, and teaching yoga, but also likes going to concerts, hiking, practicing herbal medicine, and reading anything that catches her interest. Jody lives in the mountains of Colorado with her family.

Death Lies Between Us is her debut novel and the first book in the An Angel Falls series. Book two, Angel Dreams, is scheduled for release in early 2014.

She welcomes visitors to her website www.jodyakessler.com

Buy a copy on Amazon   Barnes and Noble

Or connect with her here:  Facebook  Goodreads  Twitter  Pinterest

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/9e8ffb5/" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway

Increase your chances of winning by heading over to the other blogs Jody will be visiting. The tour dates can be found here:  http://goddessfishpromotions.blogspot.com/2013/08/virtual-blurb-blitz-tour-death-lies.html